Super Sport Car Action: Jaguar C-X75

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar C-X75 is a plug-in hybrid, two-seat, concept car from Jaguar which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The C-X75 produces 778 horsepower through four electric motors, each of which drives one of the four wheels. The batteries driving these motors are recharged using two diesel-fed micro gas turbines instead of a conventional four-stroke engine. The C-X75 was named in honor of Jaguar’s 75th anniversary, the C stands for concept and the X for experimental. In terms of performance, Jaguar envisions future super cars reaching 330 km/h (205 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and 80 to 145 km/h (50 to 90 mph) in 2.3 seconds. It is powered by four 145 kW (194 hp) electric motors – one for each wheel - which produce 780 hp (582 kW) and a total torque output of 1,600 N·m (1,180 ft·lbf). Inherent in the drivetrain is the ability to independently vector torque to each wheel across the full speed range. The micro gas turbines developed in a partnership with Bladon Jets generate enough electricity to extend the range of the car to 900 km (559 mi) while producing 28 grams of CO2 per kilometre on the EU test cycle. While running solely on battery power, the C-X75 has an all-electric range of 110 km (68 mi). Among other advantages, the micro turbines used in the C-X75 can be run on a range of fuels including diesel, biofuels, compressed natural gas and liquid petroleum gas. Jaguar also focused on the aerodynamics in order to improve performance. For example, the carbon-fibre rear diffuser, an element in guiding airflow under the car and creating downforce, includes an active aerofoil and is lowered automatically as speed increases. Moreover, the C-X75 features an extruded and bonded, aerospace-inspired, aluminium chassis, saving on weight and improving sustainability and performance.